Enhancing Photocatalytic Efficiency through Plasmonic Nanoparticles with Au–TiO2 based Nanostructures

Plasmonic materials are intensively used in order to extend the photoactivity of large bandgap semiconductors into the visible light region [1] , [2] . In this framework, we have focused our efforts on the role of the amount and composition of plasmonic nanoparticles on their photosensitizing capabilities. The critical influence of these parameters is studied in systems composed by Au nanorods (AuNR) and core-shell AuNR@SiO 2 on TiO 2 -driven photochemical probe reaction. The physical interaction between the plasmonic metal and the semiconductor has then been studied in photo-driven processes by ultrafast transient spectroscopies which provide powerful tools in order to study the injection efficiency and lifetimes of photogenerated carriers in hybrid plasmonic/semiconductor systems [3] , [4] . The great potential of these architectures and optimization of new hybrid synthesis render this approach an appealing strategy in the search of efficiency in photocatalysis applications.